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City Issues Open Air Burning Ban

Niagara Falls, ON, June 28, 2016 – With the prolonged hot and dry weather, and in the interest of public safety, the City of Niagara Falls has issued a ban on all open air-burning until further notice.

Acting Fire Chief Jim Boutilier called for a ban due to the recent hot and dry weather and the increased risk of a fire burning out of control by quickly spreading to nearby grass and plants.

Included in the ban is all open-air burning which includes cooking fires, fireworks and sparklers and other types of outdoor burning. Residents can continue to purchase fireworks in Niagara Falls from approved locations. However, residents will not be able to set off fireworks in the City until further notice.

“The open air burning ban is in place to ensure the safety of all residents” said Acting Fire Chief Jim Boutilier. “I encourage residents looking to celebrate Canada Day with fireworks to attend the public display in the Niagara Parks. The firework displays will be held on Friday July 1 and Sunday July 3.”

The open-air burning ban will remain in place until the risk of fire spreading has been reduced to a manageable level by sustained rainfall and cooler temperatures. While there was rainfall earlier this week, it was not sufficient enough to reduce the risk of fire.

Barbecues and other gas appliances are permitted under the ban, but the Fire Department advises residents to be careful when cooking.

The municipalities of St. Catharines, Wainfleet, West Lincoln, Lincoln, Fort Erie, Pelham and Grimsby have also issued fire bans throughout the region with other municipalities expected to follow in the coming days.

Residents who do not comply with the open air burning ban can be charged under Municipal Bylaw or the Ontario Fire Code and could face fines ranging from $2,000 to $50,000.